LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 27, 2017: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the third goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah wins 2017 African Player of the Year

Mohamed Salah has pipped Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane to the title of 2017 African Player of the Year.

Both wide forwards have been in special form for the Reds, with Mane a key player in 16/17 and Salah taking up that mantle at the start of 17/18.

Five finalists were nominated for the award, with future Red Naby Keita also named along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Victor Moses.

But Salah took the title after impressing at AS Roma last term before an explosive start to life at Anfield.

The Egyptian has already rattled in 19 goals for the Reds in just 24 matches, including one in the recent Merseyside derby.

He is the Premier League‘s top scorer this term, with 13 to his name in league play, while he also fired Egypt to the 2018 World Cup finals with a crucial brace against Congo in October.

STOKE-ON-TRENT, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 29, 2017: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Stoke City and Liverpool at the Bet365 Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Salah takes over the title of Africa’s finest player from 2016 winner Riyad Mahrez.

After winning the award Salah made it clear he wouldn’t be resting on his laurels.

“I would like to win this award also next year,” he told BBC Sport.

“I have always followed my way, and I want everyone in Egypt to follow my way.

“Since I left Egypt, in my mind, I want to be the best Egyptian ever. I work hard and try to be different from them.”

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp handed the trophy over to Salah at Melwood on Monday and BBC Sport report that a “record number of votes” led to the No. 11 taking the prize.

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